Rodrygo Goes (foto: //)
Rodrygo Goes, the Brazilian football star and Real Madrid attacker, has opened up about the psychological impact of missing a crucial penalty in the World Cup match against Croatia, leading him to seek help from a psychologist.
A year after Brazil's dramatic penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the World Cup, Rodrygo reflects on the personal aftermath of his missed penalty. His shot, easily saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, marked a turning point in the match and has since haunted him. Despite his previous perfect record from the spot, this miss continues to weigh heavily on his mind.
Initially skeptical about psychological help, Rodrygo eventually sought assistance to cope with the lingering effects of the miss. "I thought only crazy people went to such talks. But after some time, it began to help me deal with the problems because of that penalty. It keeps coming back," Rodrygo said. This step marked a significant change in his approach to mental health and sports psychology.
Despite the setback, Rodrygo has continued to perform at a high level for Real Madrid. This season, he has played nearly 2,000 minutes, appearing in 25 matches and contributing 10 goals and six assists. His journey highlights the importance of mental resilience in professional sports.
Rodrygo's experience sheds light on the immense pressure elite athletes face and the often overlooked aspect of mental health in sports. "It constantly comes back and hits me in the head. I always remember, there's no way to get it out of my head," he shared, emphasizing the ongoing battle with the memory of the penalty.
Rodrygo's candid discussion about seeking psychological help is a significant step in normalizing mental health support in sports. It underscores the need for athletes to address not only physical but also psychological challenges, paving the way for a more holistic approach to sports performance and well-being.